Question

Why are poems often more ambiguous than other works?

because they typically work on a figurative and a literal level

because poets tend to write about abstract ideas, rarely discussing anything concrete

Answer 1

The first one. Poets do write about concrete things as well as abstract.

Answer 2

Poems are more often ambiguous than other works because they typically work on a figurative and a literal level. The first option is correct.

Figurative language employs figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful. Figures of speech include metaphors, similes, and allusions which provide readers new insights different from the ones conveyed with literal language.